Updated: July 11, 2025
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MoneyGeek's analysis of state insurance regulations found that 35 jurisdictions require insurers to offer 5% to 15% discounts to seniors, typically starting at age 55, who complete approved defensive driving courses.
Many insurers offer behavior-based discounts, including telematics programs that provide initial savings and reward seniors for safe driving habits with lower renewal rates.
Seniors can stack multiple discounts, such as defensive driving, multi-policy bundling and good driver savings, to maximize premium reductions.
Car insurance providers typically offer discounts to seniors starting at age 50, offering ways to reduce costs without sacrificing coverage quality. Specifically for older drivers, these discounts recognize that seniors have decades of driving experience, may drive fewer miles than younger drivers and have established track records that insurers can evaluate for risk assessment.
Senior drivers may qualify for government-mandated auto insurance discounts by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. Thirty-four states and Washington, D.C. require insurers to offer these savings, though minimum age requirements vary. Check the table below to see if your state participates.
State | Minimum Age | Typical Discount | Course Required | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Alaska | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Arkansas | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
California | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Colorado | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Connecticut | 60+ | 5% minimum | Yes | 2 years |
Delaware | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Florida | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Georgia | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Idaho | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Illinois | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Kansas | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Kentucky | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Louisiana | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Maine | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Minnesota | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Mississippi | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Montana | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Nevada | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
New Jersey | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
New Mexico | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
New York | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
North Dakota | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Oklahoma | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Oregon | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Pennsylvania | 55+ | 5% | Yes | 3 years |
Rhode Island | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
South Carolina | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Tennessee | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Utah | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Virginia | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Washington | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
Washington D.C. | 50+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
West Virginia | 60+ | Varies | Special Program (not course-based)* | 3 years |
Wyoming | 55+ | 5-15% | Yes | 3 years |
* West Virginia Drivers over 60 qualify for a Golden Mountaineer Card, which provides free discounts to seniors on various products and services, including car insurance. This is a general discount program rather than a specific insurance course requirement.
Even if a discount isn't required in your location, some insurers still offer them to encourage customers to improve their driving techniques. Ask your insurance company about defensive driving course discounts if your state isn't listed above.
Older drivers may qualify for different saving opportunities, such as behavior-based, loyalty and telematics-based car insurance discounts.
Discount | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Defensive driving course | Discount for completing DMV-approved driver education programs | Seniors keen on taking driver education courses |
Multi-policy bundling | Percentage off premiums for combining auto with home or other insurance | Seniors with multiple insurance needs |
Good driver/accident-free | Discount for maintaining a clean driving record with no accidents for several years | Seniors with a clean driving record |
Low mileage/usage-based | Savings for driving fewer miles or demonstrating safe driving behaviors | Retired seniors who drive less frequentl |
Customer loyalty | Percentage off premiums for staying with the same insurer for a set number of years | Seniors who have been insured with the same company for years |
Vehicle safety equipment | Discount for cars with safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems | Seniors driving newer or safer vehicles |
Pay in full | Rewards drivers for paying auto insurance premiums in full | Seniors who can pay a lump sum on their car insurance |
Military/veteran | Special discounts for active-duty military members or veterans | Seniors who are or have been in the military |
Professional Association | Many professional associations across various industries offer group insurance programs that extend into retirement to leverage collective bargaining power to negotiate favorable rates and enhanced coverage options. | Seniors who are members of professional associations (retired teacher associations, alumni groups, health care and medical societies, federal/state/municipal employee associations, business organizations, and community groups) |
Some organizations offer specialized insurance programs designed specifically for senior drivers. These programs often provide enhanced benefits, exclusive coverage options and additional savings opportunities unavailable through traditional insurance channels.
Some auto insurance companies, such as GEICO, Progressive, Allstate and State Farm, offer senior discounts. Most require completing a safe driving course, which might be difficult if you have limited funds. Insurers also provide many easy-to-qualify-for discounts with no extra requirements, helping you save more money. Even without discounts, some companies offer cheaper car insurance for seniors, which may be worth exploring.
We've researched companies that offer these discounts and their requirements to help you find the right option.
Company With Senior Discount | Description |
|---|---|
21st Century | To qualify, drivers must be 55 years or older and complete a state-recognized defensive driving course. |
Allstate offers usage-based discounts and cash back rewards for seniors based on safe driving behaviors monitored through a mobile app or plug-in device. Mature driver discounts are available in states that mandate such programs, requiring completion of approved defensive driving courses. Multi-policy discounts apply when combining auto, home and other insurance products. Safe driving bonus programs reward accident-free records. | |
American Family offers a discount to drivers 55 and older who complete an approved defensive driving course. This discount isn't available in all states. | |
Direct General | If you're 55 or older and have completed a motor vehicle accident prevention course, you may qualify for a discount with Direct General. |
Farmers offers a senior defensive driver discount for drivers between 55 and 65, depending on the state. To qualify, drivers must complete a DMV-approved driver's education course and provide a certificate of completion. | |
GEICO serves drivers aged 50+ with up to 12% savings and guaranteed renewal protection. Additional benefits include defensive driving course discounts of up to 10%, multi-policy bundling savings of up to 25% when combining auto and home coverage, and enhanced discounts of 12% to 15% for retired federal employees and military members. | |
Progressive offers usage-based insurance ideal for low-mileage seniors, monitoring driving behaviors like hard braking and acceleration to offer personalized discounts. The company provides multi-policy discounts for bundling auto and home insurance, homeowner discounts for responsible property maintenance, and continuous insurance discounts for maintaining coverage without lapses. | |
State Farm offers mature driver programs focusing on safe driving education, plus usage-based programs that reward low-mileage seniors with personalized rates based on driving habits. Mature driver course discounts are available for completing approved defensive driving programs, and good student discounts can benefit seniors with grandchildren on their policies. | |
USAA exclusively serves military members, veterans and their families with some of the industry's most competitive rates for eligible seniors. Military service member discounts provide enhanced savings beyond standard senior discounts, with additional benefits for retired military personnel. Safe driver discounts reward clean driving records, while multi-vehicle discounts apply when insuring multiple cars, and specialized benefits recognize length and type of military service. | |
Kemper offers a senior discount for drivers over 65. | |
Mercury provides a discount to drivers 55 and older who have completed a driver improvement course at a DMV-approved school. | |
National General | Seniors in certain states can apply for National General's safe driving discount. Eligibility varies by state. |
NJM | NJM offers a mature driver discount to drivers over a certain age who have completed a qualified course. Eligibility varies by state, and you must upload your information for review on the website. |
Shelter | Policyholders at least 48 years old with a Shelter property policy can get an auto insurance discount. |
Through its partnership with AARP, The Hartford offers car insurance for seniors over 50 with post-accident care benefits up to $2,500 for services like transportation and housekeeping. AARP members receive up to 10% savings, plus access to usage-based programs offering up to 15% initial discounts and up to 40% renewal discounts for safe driving habits. | |
Farm Bureau - Indiana | Farm Bureau in Indiana offers drivers 45 years old or older a lower premium through its mature driver rates. |
Farm Bureau - Kentucky | Farm Bureau in Kentucky offers discounts to drivers 55 or older who have completed an approved safety course. It requires a certificate of completion. |
Wawanesa - California | To qualify for Wawanesa's discount, drivers must be 55 or older and have completed a California DMV-approved defensive driving course within the last three years. The course must not be taken as part of a court order to be eligible. |
Compare each company's offerings and narrow your options to three to five. Get online quotes from these insurers to better understand their costs.
The cheapest option isn't always the best. The best car insurance often provides superior service, coverage and financial security. Maximizing eligible senior discounts allows you to find affordable options with quality financial protection.
Applying for senior discounts can feel overwhelming with all the paperwork and requirements, but getting these savings is straightforward when you know what steps to take.
Contact your current insurer and ask about all available senior discounts. Most senior discounts begin at ages 50-55, but requirements vary by insurer. Ask about government-mandated discounts if you live in one of the eligible areas.
Reach out to your insurance agent and ask for a review of your policy. They can help you identify any discounts you may be eligible for but aren't currently receiving.
Having all the necessary documents ready before applying can streamline the process. You’ll typically need:
Depending on the discount and insurer requirements, you may also need to provide additional documentation, such as military service records, retirement verification, previous insurance history for loyalty discounts, professional association membership cards, course completion timeline documentation and state approval verification for courses.
If your state requires a defensive driving course, research approved providers in your area. Popular options include AARP Smart Driver, AAA Mature Driver Course, National Safety Council and American Safety Council. Compare costs, duration and whether online completion is allowed.
Enroll in and complete any required defensive driving or mature driver safety courses. Most courses take 4-8 hours and must be completed within a certain period. Keep all certificates and completion records.
Provide your insurance company with all required documentation, including course completion certificates. Some course providers will send certificates directly to your insurer, while others require you to submit them yourself.
Confirm that all discounts have been properly applied to your policy. Request an updated policy summary showing the new premium amount and all active discounts. The discount typically takes effect at your next renewal period.
Defensive driving course discounts usually last for 2-3 years. It's a good idea to set reminders on your calendar to retake the courses before the discounts expire, ensuring that you continue to benefit from savings.
Even if you have discounts, it's wise to check rates from different insurance companies every year. Since insurers provide various discount levels, you might discover better overall rates with another provider.
Keep a clean driving record and continue meeting all discount requirements. Violations or accidents can result in losing your discounts and facing rate increases.
Beyond senior discounts, seniors can save on auto insurance by comparing quotes from different companies, bundling car insurance with home or other policies or raising their deductibles. Occasional drivers might benefit from usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance, which charges based on mileage. Eliminating unnecessary coverage can also reduce premiums.
To find the cheapest car insurance company, shop around for quotes. Gather several quotes from different providers to compare your options.
Getting a home and auto insurance bundle is a great way to save money on your premiums, as insurers reward loyal customers.
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers costs when you file a claim. Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums.
Pay-per-mile insurance charges seniors based on how far they drive, benefiting those who drive less than 12,000 miles a year.
Removing comprehensive coverage makes sense if your premiums exceed 10% of your vehicle's cash value. However, this could leave you without adequate financial protection. Determine your auto insurance needs before adding or dropping any coverage.
While no-down-payment car insurance allows you to get insured with the lowest upfront payment, paying in full will save you more money in the long run. Also, some insurance companies provide discounts for full payment.
Auto insurance rates depend on several factors, including your age, location and coverage level. Premiums typically increase as a senior, making car insurance discounts important.
After age, your coverage level affects rates most significantly. Each state requires minimum coverage regardless of age. You can estimate your auto insurance costs using MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator.
| State Minimum Liability Only | $67 | $805 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $85 | $1,015 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$2,000 Ded. | $106 | $1,271 |
| 50/100/50 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $135 | $1,616 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $136 | $1,631 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$250 Ded. | $136 | $1,635 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $149 | $1,787 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$0 Ded. | $155 | $1,858 |
*Note: The rates shown are based on MoneyGeek's analysis of major insurers. Averages can vary based on individual factors, including location, driving record, vehicle type and chosen coverage levels. Seniors with clean driving records who qualify for multiple discounts often pay less than these averages.
Use MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator below to get personalized quotes. Enter your information to compare rates from multiple insurers and discover potential savings.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jul 11, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | |
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | |
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | |
| 6 | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Senior car insurance discounts usually start between the ages of 50 and 55. Government-mandated, defensive driving, loyalty, accident-free and good driver discounts help reduce premiums. Combining these with bundling policies or pay-per-mile insurance maximizes savings while maintaining needed coverage.
The key to maximizing savings is understanding what discounts are available and taking the necessary steps to qualify. This may include completing courses, maintaining a clean driving record or switching to a company that offers better senior programs. With proper research and planning, many senior drivers can achieve substantial savings on their car insurance while maintaining adequate coverage for their needs.
Check out the most frequently asked questions below to help guide your search for the best car insurance discounts for seniors.
Seniors can qualify for car insurance discounts starting at age 50, with the most valuable being government-mandated 5% to 15% savings in 34 states and D.C. for completing approved defensive driving courses. Many insurers also offer senior-specific, loyalty and usage-based discounts ideal for low-mileage drivers.
How much you can save with a senior discount depends on the insurer and the type of discount.
Minimum coverage costs an average of $805 for 70-year-olds per year. Full coverage with 100/300/100 in limits averages $1,631.
In addition to age-based discounts, seniors may qualify for savings through clean driving records, loyalty perks, safety equipment, bundling, pay-in-full options, military or veteran status, and professional group memberships. Low-mileage seniors can benefit from usage-based insurance, and many providers offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course though eligibility rules vary by insurer.
Compare quotes annually, bundle policies, and consider raising deductibles or switching to pay-per-mile insurance if you drive less than 12,000 miles a year. Removing comprehensive coverage on low-value vehicles and learning senior-safe driving habits can also help lower premiums.
Thirty-four states and Washington, D.C. require insurers to offer 5–15% government-mandated discounts to seniors who complete approved defensive driving courses, typically starting at age 55. Age requirements vary, with Connecticut and West Virginia setting it at 60, and D.C. at 50, and discounts must be renewed every two to three years.
Verify your state's discount eligibility with your insurer, then enroll in an approved defensive driving course. After completing it, submit your certificate, proof of age and policy details to receive the discount at your next renewal.
To qualify for senior discounts, provide proof of age, a current declarations page and a clean driving record; course-based discounts also require a completion certificate from an approved provider. Additional documents, like military records, retirement verification, association memberships or prior insurance history, may be needed for other savings.
Yes, most insurers allow combining multiple discounts for maximum savings. You can stack defensive driving course discounts with multi-policy bundling, good driver records and loyalty rewards. Discount combinations and maximum savings caps vary by company, so ask your agent about all available options when reviewing your policy.
Senior and mature driver discounts are often interchangeable, typically starting between ages 50 and 55. "Mature driver" usually refers to course-based savings, while "senior discount" may include broader age-based benefits.
Yes, defensive driving courses typically pay for themselves within the first year. Courses cost $20 to $50 but provide 5 to 20% savings on annual premiums. The discount lasts two to three years in most states. Additional benefits include insurance knowledge, updated traffic laws and potentially avoiding future violations.
Popular approved courses include AARP Smart Driver, AAA, the National Safety Council, and the American Safety Council, typically lasting four to eight hours and available online. Check your state’s DMV website for approved providers and keep your certificate for two to three years, as most discounts require renewal, some providers even send it directly to your insurer.
Car insurance rates often rise after age 70 due to higher accident risk, but senior discounts, defensive driving courses and low-mileage usage can help offset the increase. Keeping a clean driving record and comparing quotes annually also helps manage costs.
How We Researched Senior Car Insurance Rates
Finding affordable car insurance becomes more challenging as you age, especially when you're on a fixed income and dealing with age-related rate changes. That's exactly why we designed our research to focus on what matters most for senior drivers: identifying real savings opportunities and understanding how your age affects your premiums.
Our Research Approach
Using data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments, we gathered 83,056 quotes from 46 companies across 473 ZIP codes. Rather than examining generic driver profiles, we specifically adjusted our analysis for age-related factors that impact senior premiums.
Sample Driver Profile
Our baseline driver includes:
We then adjusted this profile for different ages, locations, driving histories and credit situations to capture how rates change as you age. This approach reveals which companies offer the best rates for drivers in their 60s, 70s and beyond.
Coverage Details
Unless noted otherwise, rates shown are for full coverage insurance with:
This coverage level provides solid financial protection while keeping premiums reasonable — important considerations when you're managing retirement expenses. A higher deductible generally means lower monthly premiums, but you'll pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim.
Why This Methodology Works for Seniors
We focused on companies that consistently offer competitive rates for older drivers and analyzed how various factors affect pricing as you age. This targeted approach helps you understand not just which companies are cheapest, but which ones provide the best value and service when you actually need to use your coverage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
